At the end of last year, Critical brought together a group of artists from across the label for its first ever writers camp, a few days focused on collaboration, sharing ideas and making music together in person.

As Kasra puts it:
‘One of the main things that makes Critical what it is are the people behind the music. We have an incredibly talented bunch of producers and DJs who we work with but unfortunately we don’t get enough time to create together. Internet based projects are cool and increase productivity but nothing gives energy to creative projects like human connection. I wanted us to spend some time together and just create. No grand plan, just enjoy.’

The music that came out of those sessions forms Critical Soundsystem Vol. 1, the first public outcome from the writers camp and the beginning of a new series centred around collaboration, shared creative sessions and future collaborations between artists connected to the label.

Across four tracks, the release moves through different shades of contemporary drum & bass. Enei & QZB’s ‘Kerosene’ delivers focused club pressure, while VISLA & Waeys’ ‘Sentry Gun’ leans into stripped back tension and late night energy. Elsewhere, ‘Tell Me’ brings together Kasra & SMG in a meeting point between established and emerging artists, while ‘Pixelate’ sees Spectral return alongside Enei ahead of forthcoming material.

More than anything, the project reflects the atmosphere that shaped it. Away from touring schedules, green rooms and online exchanges, the camp created space for artists to work face to face, exchange ideas freely and reconnect through the creative process.

As QZB reflected:
‘Everybody was hungry to push, to bring a certain energy into existence and it felt very inspiring.’

Critical Soundsystem Vol. 1 marks the first chapter in what will become an ongoing series, with future volumes continuing to explore writers camps, collaborations and new creative combinations across the wider Critical family.